Digital Investment Conference 2025: PM Shehbaz Announces $700 Million IT Sector Investment Boost

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announces $700 million foreign investment in Pakistan’s IT sector during the Digital FDI Conference 2025, aiming to empower youth and drive technological growth.

Islamabad, April 29, 2025 — 16:21 PM
Reporter: Imtiaz Ali Abbasi, Chief Reporter Islamabad
Watts News, The Largest Digital News Network Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the government will provide all possible facilities to foreign investors in the Information Technology (IT) sector. Addressing the Digital Foreign Direct Investment Conference 2025 held in Islamabad on Tuesday, the premier revealed that an estimated $700 million investment in the IT industry will empower Pakistani youth and highlight their digital potential.

During his keynote speech, PM Shehbaz welcomed digital delegates from more than 11 friendly countries, including IT ministers, deputy ministers, and experts. He described the digital world as a transformative force affecting all sectors and highlighted the changing landscape compared to two decades ago.

The Prime Minister recalled his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, during which 400,000 laptops were distributed purely on merit. He pointed to initiatives under the World Bank’s program to digitize the rural economy and emphasized that 60% of Pakistan’s population comprises youth—an invaluable asset for the country’s digital ambitions.

He shared record-breaking figures from March 2025, when $4.1 billion in remittances were received—marking the highest monthly inflow in Pakistan’s history. Highlighting various federal and provincial initiatives, PM Shehbaz mentioned the establishment of IT parks, incubation centers, and R&D hubs. He also applauded collaboration with Huawei, which is helping train 200,000 students annually.

In a special acknowledgment, the PM praised a Pakistani investor who, along with a Russian partner, committed $500 million, as well as other investors whose total pledges brought the investment figure to $700 million.

Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized the government's top priority to promote the IT sector. She cited a 25% increase in IT exports over the last nine months and highlighted efforts to establish special technology zones to attract investors and ensure broad access to digital infrastructure.

The minister disclosed that 25 software technology parks and 1,900 startups are currently operational across Pakistan, and that internet usage grew by 25% in the last year. She pointed out that 3 lakh youth have received IT training in the past two years under PM Shehbaz's leadership, a crucial step in building a skilled workforce.

Dima Al Yahya, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, called the Digital FDI Forum 2025 a historic moment. She stated that the digital revolution is no longer just a trend but an economic and societal transformation. According to her, digital technologies could contribute $10–11 trillion to global GDP by 2030. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to lead in global digital economic transformation.

The event saw major commitments, including Sajjad Syed of P@SHA, who along with partners announced a $600 million investment, solidifying Pakistan’s position as a growing hub for digital innovation.

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